On 29 November 2025, Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul provided an update on the flooding situation and assistance for affected residents in the southern region, particularly Hat Yai District in Songkhla Province. He stated that tomorrow afternoon (30 November) he would travel to the area again, accompanied by a large working team including the Minister of Finance, the Director-General of the Treasury Department, the Secretary-General of the Office of Insurance Commission, executives from the Thai Bankers’ Association, and state financial institutions.
The purpose of the visit is to observe the situation firsthand and directly assess the operational needs, enabling full preparation and implementation of financial assistance measures and rapid loan support for flood victims, ensuring clear communication and effective action.
The Prime Minister spoke about his visit to Zone 8 in Hat Yai District yesterday (28 November), noting that the situation was abnormal and severe. Floodwaters had destroyed most houses, leaving only the shells of buildings. The conditions in the area made it impossible for residents to stay in their homes. Therefore, the same principle used for State Quarantine during the COVID-19 pandemic was applied—provincial authorities would arrange hotel accommodation for those unable to return home for at least 3–5 days. This measure also supports the local economy. Volunteers and officials have been mobilized to carry out extensive “house cleaning” across the city and affected households.
Regarding rumors of violence and firearms being used in Zone 8, the Prime Minister affirmed that he had not encountered such incidents personally. There were only minor emotional confrontations, and he has ordered the Provincial Police Region 9 Commander to ensure strict oversight. As for reports of looting, he has instructed authorities to enforce the law fully and deployed 4,000 Interior Ministry volunteers to support area control and cleaning operations.
When asked about the causes, problems, and obstacles that led to Hat Yai’s crisis, the Prime Minister stressed the need to look forward. However, he acknowledged that the government had shortcomings regardless of the cause.
“When there are deaths, losses, injuries, and people cannot stay in their homes, it all falls on the Prime Minister. It is all the Prime Minister’s responsibility. This is why I must be on the ground consistently, applying every resource, knowledge, and experience I have to tackle the issue at its core and accelerate recovery as quickly as possible.”
Anutin added that the government will enhance the warning system so that “when the alert sounds, people must leave immediately,” which may require legal amendments to facilitate evacuation drills. He has instructed the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation and the Department of Local Administration to implement these measures.
He also stated that further technical and engineering reviews are needed regarding Hat Yai’s geographical structure as a “basin” where water naturally accumulates. Authorities will examine whether roads obstruct water drainage and explore ways for road infrastructure to assist water discharge, as well as prevent seawater — which can rise to high levels — from flowing back into the city when water is drained toward Songkhla Lake.